When you're hiking or camping in the woods and want to take a break, you have to do a few things to keep the environment and yourself clean. Bring a bag filled with toiletries and toilet bowls, such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a plastic bag when you're out in the woods, and don't defecate near water, trails, or campsites. By choosing the right location and cleaning up after you're done with your bowels, you can continue your adventure to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Location
Step 1. Bring a bag containing essential supplies for defecation
Some items to bring include cleaning products (such as toilet paper, regular tissue, or baby wipes), a small shovel, hand sanitizer, and a sealable plastic bag. We recommend that you use colored or opaque bags.
If you want, you can buy plastic bags specifically made for storing used toilet paper at a sports store or the internet
Step 2. Find a spot that is at least 60 meters from the water, trails, and campsites
This is to prevent contamination of the water and the spread of disease, and so that you don't contaminate the path and disturb passersby. Before deciding on a spot, pay attention to your surroundings to make sure you're not doing it near water (such as a lake, stream, or river), as well as trails or campsites.
The ideal distance to ensure that you are far enough away from these places is around 200 steps
Step 3. Find a hidden place to maintain privacy
Shrubs and tall trees can provide good privacy when you need to go to the bathroom. Look for a place that is not too open with a relatively flat ground position. Maybe you have to walk further into the forest to find a hidden place. So, pay attention to the location you want to use to defecate.
Tall rocks and large tree trunks are ideal places for privacy
Step 4. Watch out for nettles (a plant that can be itchy to the touch), ant mounds, and beehives
All three should be avoided when you choose a place to defecate. You should check for plants or other venomous animals when choosing a place to defecate so you don't get hurt.
Get to know nettles. This plant has a stalk containing three leaves
Part 2 of 3: Littering
Step 1. Stand on flat ground when you need to pee
Find a flat place, especially if you are a woman and have to squat. If there is no flat place, at least face yourself down so you don't get caught in the flow of urine.
There's no need to dig a hole when you pee, although you can do this if you want
Step 2. Dig a hole about 15 cm deep for defecation
The hole should be about 15 to 20 cm deep. Dig a hole with a small shovel, or use a rock if you don't have one.
- As a guide, make sure the hole is the same depth as your hand.
- If you are adventuring in a snowy forest, the hole should be 15 cm deep underground, not just under the snow.
Step 3. Squat down low and make sure the bowel movement is not obstructed by clothing
Squat as low as possible to make it easier for you to pass stool. Make sure clothes don't block bowel movements by lowering them at least slightly below the knees. For men, they can lower their pants and immediately defecate. Be careful, keep the groin closed so that your private body parts are not exposed.
If you have trouble squatting, try sitting on a soft rock
Step 4. Wipe the feces from the toilet with baby wipes or toilet paper
If you take it with you, remove the product from the bag for use. If you don't have toilet paper, regular tissue, or baby wipes with you, look for soft (and non-toxic) leaves to replace them.
If you don't know whether the leaves are poisonous or not, you shouldn't use them
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Location
Step 1. Avoid stockpiling used toilet paper in the hole
Place used baby wipes or toilet paper in a resealable plastic bag. If you plan to stay in the woods for a few days, bring a few empty plastic bags or several different-sized bags to store all the used tissues.
- You should never bury used tissues as some animals can dig them up.
- The plastic bag should be stored in a toiletry bag.
- If you use leaves that are found around the area, you can insert them into the holes.
Step 2. Use a small shovel to fill the hole with soil
When you're done, make sure your holes and dirt are completely covered with dirt, leaves, or twigs. Make sure the pit is solid and level so it doesn't spread disease or attract curious animals.
- Don't let the shovel hit the stool. So, only use a shovel to get the soil into the hole.
- Try walking over the hole to see if the pile is solidly filled.
Step 3. Insert the small stick perpendicularly just above the hole
This is a notification to anyone in the forest that the place you have used to defecate is to get them to look elsewhere. You don't need to use a stick that is too big, about 15 cm is long enough. Stick the stick in the ground vertically, and make sure it doesn't fall over.
Step 4. Clean your hands using a hand sanitizer product after everything is done
Doing so will keep your hands germ-free so that people you come into contact with will stay healthy and happy.
- Only use a drop or two of hand sanitizer.
- It's a good idea to place your hand sanitizer in a separate small plastic bag and put it in a toiletry bag to keep the product germ-free.
Tips
- If you really can't hold your bowels and don't have time to dig a hole, make a hole near you (on the ground) and then move the stool into it.
- Place some items in a resealable plastic bag, such as crushed aspirin, bleaching powder, or used tea bags to reduce the smell of used toilet paper.
- Check the guidelines and requirements regarding waste disposal for the area you are visiting.
